Bruce Allen Rylander, age 74 of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022, after a 3-year courageous battle with cancer surrounded by family that loved him dearly.
On August 5, 1948, he was born to Milton and Irene “Dolly” (Nelson) Rylander in St Paul, MN. He spent his early years and grade school in Chisago City, MN. In 1961, his family moved to Crookston, MN where he attended Crookston Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1966. After graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota-Crookston and studied Architecture.
From 1968 to 1972 he served in the US Navy. He was stationed in Pensacola, FL where he was an Aircraft Mechanic and active member of the color guard. He received a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon as well as a National Defense Service Medal.
After an honorable discharge in 1972, Bruce returned to Crookston where he worked for Minn-Dak before beginning his long-time career with UPS as a delivery driver.
In 1973, he met Mary Dufault and they were married in 1975. Together they raised three children. After a 30-year career at UPS, he retired in 2003. During his retirement, he was blessed to enjoy summers at his longtime lake home on Union Lake, MN with family, friends, and grandkids. In the winter months, he enjoyed several trips, travels with loved ones, and many DIY projects. Bruce was a talented handyman and capable of repairing, remodeling, and fixing almost anything that was broken. He enjoyed almost any woodworking project and saw potential in anything old or broken.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Roger and Lee; sisters-in-law Peggy and Sally as well as several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his children Kelly (Joe) Boyer, Kurt (Heidi) Rylander, and Kristal Rylander. Grandchildren Hayden and Braeden Boyer, Addy and Tristan Rylander, and step-grandchildren Jace and Kinsley Beland along with several nieces and nephews.
Bruce’s celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, January 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Amundson’s Funeral Home in Grand Forks, with visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com
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